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Regular Meeting

Dates:

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 - 6:30pm

The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Morris Education Center, 225 Rosenwald Lane, Brevard.

The board will adhere to the remote meetings statute from the General Assembly and the Governor’s guidelines for public gatherings. Therefore, public access for all remote meetings will not be permitted at this time. The meeting will be conducted electronically and may be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/tcsnc.

Any person wishing to make a public comment may email their comments to Jenny Hunter at jhunter@tcsnc.org. Comments received by 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16 will be shared during the meeting as appropriate within board guidelines.

Groups audience:

I. Opening of Meeting

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Call to Order

Welcome

Groups audience:

II. Business Items

Groups audience:

01. Approval of Agenda

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators		Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

A motion is in order to approve or revise the meeting agenda for March 16, 2021.

Groups audience:

02. Public Comment

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

Any person wishing to address the board during Public Comment should email their comment(s) to Jenny Hunter at jhunter@tcsnc.org by 1:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting and their item will be read aloud at the meeting as appropriate within board guidelines.

The board of education, as an elected representative body of the school system, wishes to provide a forum for citizens to express interests and concerns related to the school system. In order that the board may conduct an order meeting while providing an opportunity for input, individuals or groups may be heard by the board in accordance with policy 2310, Public Participation at Board Meetings, or policy 2300, Board Meetings (subsection D.2).

Each month, the first part of at least one regularly scheduled board meeting will be set aside for citizens to address the board through public comment.

A sign-up sheet will be available 30 minutes before the meeting begins for any individual or group to indicate their desire to address the board.

Each speaker will receive 3 minutes to present comments. The public comment session will not exceed 30 minutes total except by majority vote of the board.

The board chair will recognize speakers in the order in which they signed in. Substitute speakers will not be permitted and speakers may not donate any portion of their time to another speaker. If a speaker is unable to present all of his or her information within the specified time limit, the speaker may provide the board with additional information in written form. If an unusually large number of people requests to speak, a majority of the board may decide to reduce the time for each individual or to require the designation of a spokesperson for each group of persons supporting or opposing the same positions. At any time, the board may establish additional procedures to ensure that public comment sessions proceed in an efficient and orderly manner.

Board members will not respond to individuals who address the board except to request clarification of points made by the presenter.

Except in cases of emergency, information received during presentations will not be acted upon at the time it is received. It will take unanimous vote of the board members present to act on a presentation considered to be of an unusual or emergency nature at the time it is presented.

Disruptions by any person or persons of a public meeting will be subject to action in accordance with G.S. 143-318.17.

Complaints about the performance of school personnel, implementation of board policy, the quality of the educational program, or school facilities should be submitted initially for a response to the school system official responsible for the program or facility or to the superintendent. The superintendent or designee shall make available policy 2310, Public Participation at Board Meetings, and other relevant grievance procedures to any individual or group submitting a complaint.

The board may choose to offer a second opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting. Sign-ups will not be required for the second public comment opportunity.

No solicitations will be allowed during public comment.

Public Attachments:

Public Comment_3-16-21_redacted.pdf

Groups audience:

03. Good News Report

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship	X	Action
Excellent Educators	X	Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students	X	Discussion
Operations and Support	X

March is "Arts in Our Schools Month"

Combining “Dance in Our Schools Month,” “Music in Our Schools Month,” “Theater in Our Schools Month,” and “Youth Art Month,” March has been designated by the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction as “Arts in Our Schools Month.” Dance, music, theater, and visual arts contribute to students’ development through heightened skills in listening, problem-solving, adapting to and respecting others’ way of thinking, communicating effectively, reading, self-expression, imagination, creativity, self-confidence and self-reliance. Research shows that learning to sing, draw, paint, act, dance, read music, or play an instrument stimulates the brain and improves all areas of learning. The arts are an essential part of education and school is where all children should have access to the arts. At a time when many school music programs are facing cuts, we continue to support our arts programs.

Virtual Choir 2021

In celebration of Arts in Our Schools Month, Brevard Middle School Chorus Director James Markey and the BMS Chorus have invited singers of all ages to join a virtual choir project singing “I Choose Love” by Mark Miller, a song written in response to the 2015 tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. Materials and information to enter a submission are available at https://sites.google.com/tcsnc.org/jmarkey/home. To see how it works, click on last year’s project, Seasons of Love, from the Broadway musical “Rent.”

School Social Workers Week

March is Social Workers Month and the week of March 7-13, 2021 is National School Social Workers Week. This year’s theme, “Beacon of Hope: School Social Workers Lighting the Way,” celebrates the essential role that school social workers play in serving the whole child, linking students and families with needed services, and advocating for children. School social workers provide services in crisis situations and help guide children through obstacles and uncertainty. They also help students gain the social-emotional understanding needed to find academic success and positive strategies for life. We greatly appreciate their important work and thank them for their service.

Governor’s School 2021

Three Transylvania County Schools students have been accepted into the 2021 North Carolina Governor’s School. Governor’s School is a 5½-week summer residential program for gifted and talented rising seniors, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses. The program is located on two campuses of up to 335 students each: Governor’s School West at High Point University in High Point, and Governor’s School East at Meredith College in Raleigh. Congratulations to the following students:

Name	School	Selected Discipline	Campus
Emma Coye	Brevard High	Math	West
Townsend Dierauf	Brevard High	Natural Science	East
Jasmine Grooms	Rosman High	Instrumental Music (French horn)	East

National Board Certifications

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) offers National Board Certification as a way to 1) recognize the accomplished teaching that is occurring in North Carolina’s classrooms; 2) develop and retain accomplished teachers; and 3) generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. The certification process evaluates teaching practice through performance-based assessments and is based on rigorous standards that represent what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Teachers who earn the certification are eligible for significant pay increases. Congratulations to the following teachers who recently earned NBPTS certification:

Amy Galloway, Media Specialist, Brevard Middle School

Emily Atkinson, Art Teacher, Brevard Middle School

Kindergarten Registration 2021

Kindergarten registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open in all our elementary schools. Starting school is an exciting experience for young children and we want to be sure it is a positive one. All children who will be five (5) years old on or before August 31, 2021 are eligible to start kindergarten this fall. Visit www.tcsnc.org/k for enrollment forms and more information.

Celebrating Vaccines!

As of Friday, nearly 400 Transylvania County Schools employees (67% of our educational staff) have received their first vaccination for COVID-19. Principals/supervisors worked with teachers and staff for coverage as needed and the process was extremely well-organized from beginning to end. Our thanks to Blue Ridge Community Health, Brevard Music Center, volunteers from Blue Ridge Community College, Transylvania Public Health and our school nurses for making this process happen. And a special thank you to Dr. Brian Weaver for all of his work coordinating and scheduling the vaccines.

For more good news from Transylvania County Schools, please visit us at:

Home Page: www.tcsnc.org ǀ Facebook: facebook.com/transylvaniaschools

Twitter: twitter.com/transylvaniasch ǀ Flickr: flickr.com/tcsnc

Instagram: Instagram.com/transylvaniaschools ǀ YouTube: youtube.com/tcsnc

Smartphone App: Transylvania County Schools on Play Store and iTunes

SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/transylvaniacountyschools

Public Attachments:

Good News Report 3-16-21.pdf

Groups audience:

04. Former Students in the Military

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

The board wishes to thank the former students from Brevard High School, Rosman High School, and Davidson River School who are currently serving or have previously served in the U.S. Military. The attached list of names is recognized at every meeting and read aloud twice a year in recognition of Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Additional names will be included as they are received.

Public Attachments:

Military List 3-16-21.pdf

Groups audience:

05. Consent Agenda

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators	X	Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

The following item is submitted for consent approval:

Personnel report for March 16, 2021

A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda item(s).

Public Attachments:

Personnel Report 3-16-21.pdf

Groups audience:

06. School Nutrition Bids 2021-2022

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators		Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

The School Nutrition Procurement Plan calls for a list of goods and services that go out for bid to be provided to the board of education each year. School Nutrition directors were informed on February 22 that food distributors need to know school systems’ intent to renew at the end of February (or as soon as possible thereafter). At the last meeting, Director Carolyn Barton recommended “rolling over” bids for next year:

“Renewal makes sense because we are getting closer to something like the old normal, but product volumes and availability are still not completely on track. These vendors have produced and delivered products through all kinds of manufacturer and grower shortages, transportation, and staffing challenges and have delivered under what have been the most unusual and at times difficult working circumstances any of us have seen in our professional careers. Moreover, we still.do not know what is out ahead for FY 21-22. We may still experience product shortages or less availability. For, example, the recent storms in Texas interrupted production and transportation at a large number of food manufacturing facilities. We need to renew and stay where we are both for operational as well as financial reasons. Many distributors are not going to be willing to take on additional business until we are apprised of USDA funding decisions as well as basic school operational parameters, and these will likely come out in mid to late July at the earliest. Going out to bid now could be disastrous in terms of delivery fees, etc.”

The proposed food and supply renewal summary is attached. Mrs. Barton will answer any questions you may have.

A motion is in order to approve the food and supply renewals for fiscal year 2021-2022 as presented.

Public Attachments:

SN Bid Recommendations for 2021-22.pdf

Groups audience:

07. Social Studies Update

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship	X	Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support

Director Missy Ellenberger will give an update on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s new social studies standards for grades K-12. See attached.

Public Attachments:

Social Studies Update_ March, 2021 (1).pdf

Groups audience:

08. Educator Climate Committee

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators	X	Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support

On March 1, Board member Courtney Domokur gave an update from the Transylvania County Schools Educator Climate Committee and shared feedback from elementary teachers regarding their concerns. At this meeting, Mrs. Domokur will share feedback from middle and high school teachers.

Groups audience:

09. FY22 Budget

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators		Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion	X
Operations and Support	X

Director Norris Barger will review the latest budget drafts for the 2021-2022 fiscal year (see attached). The superintendent’s budget message for FY22 will be available soon. The county manager has requested that the board’s budget request be submitted by April 2. Mr. Barger and Dr. McDaris will answer any questions you may have.

The board may act on the FY22 budget request at this time.

Public Attachments:

FY22 budget documents_3-09-21.pdf

Groups audience:

10. BHS Amphitheater Proposal

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators		Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

On March 1, Mr. Barger presented a proposal from the Brevard High Fine Arts Department to build a performance amphitheater for the program. The project would consist of a brick/concrete stage with wood pergola. The masonry department will build the stage and is charging the Fine Arts Department $2,730. The Fine Arts Department will cover all expenses using club/organization funds. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $6,000-$7,000. The project as planned would not interfere with any new construction planned. Fine Arts would like to get started in March and have the project completed by the end of school. Norris Barger will answer any questions you may have. A concept rendering is attached.

The board may act on the Brevard High School Fine Arts performance amphitheater proposal.

Public Attachments:

BHS Amphitheater Proposal.pdf

Groups audience:

11. TCH Playground Purchase

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

While serving as principal at T. C. Henderson, Director Audrey Reneau began a fundraising effort to replace the old school playground equipment for grades 3-5 (located in front of the school near the basketball courts). Principal Patrick Chapman has continued the effort and obtained a quote from BCI Burke Company of $38,520 plus sales tax and labor. In order to get the sale price, the purchase must be made by the end of March. Since the purchase is over $10,000, board policy requires approval of the purchase. The project will be completely funded by school fundraising efforts and donations. Sufficient funds are already in hand to begin the project. An illustration and a copy of policy 6420, Contracts with the Board, are attached. Norris Barger will answer any questions you may have.

The board may approve the purchase of playground equipment for T. C. Henderson School of Science & Technology.

Public Attachments:

TCH Playground.pdf

Policy-6420.pdf

Groups audience:

12. Bond Projects Update

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

There is a new home page for school bond construction project updates, located under Business Services on the Transylvania County Schools website www.tcsnc.org. You may navigate through the Departments menu or bookmark tcsnc.org/bondprojects for frequent viewing. On March 8, Architect Chad Roberson gave a presentation to the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners updating them on the projects. Norris Barger will give a report.

Groups audience:

13. Senate Bill 220 Update

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion	X
Operations and Support	X

On Wednesday, March 10, Governor Cooper, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis, and leaders in the General Assembly held a joint press conference to announce their support for new legislation designed to return North Carolina public school students back to in-person learning. At the time of this writing, Senate Bill 220 is expected to become law by Friday, March 12, depending on when the Governor signs. Highlights of the bill include:

All elementary schools are required to open under Plan A
Middle and high schools have the option to open under Plan A or Plan B (Plan C is not an option)
Middle and high schools that open under Plan A must notify DHHS and describe the plan to open safely (DHHS does not have the authority to veto a plan)
Effective 21 days after the bill becomes law
Districts ready to open do not have to wait the 21 days
Students with an IEP or 504 plan must have the option to be in Plan A at the discretion of a student’s parent or guardian
Governor maintains authority to close schools on a district-by-district basis
Local districts retain authority to close a school due to an outbreak or quarantine
Middle and high schools that open under Plan A will partner with the ABC Science Collaborative to collect data
School districts are permitted to add teacher workdays between the time the bill becomes law and schools reopen
Virtual instruction must remain an option for families

Superintendent McDaris will discuss what Senate Bill 220 means for Transylvania County Schools and answer questions from the board.

Groups audience:

14. Superintendent's Update

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

Dr. Jeff McDaris will give an update on current and emerging educational issues.

Groups audience:

15. Important Dates

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

Apr. 2	Students dismissed at noon
Apr. 5-9	Spring break
Apr. 19	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
Apr. 30	Remote learning day #5
May 3	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
May 17	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
May 28	Last student day; noon dismissal
May 31	Memorial Day holiday
June 1-4	Teacher workdays
June 7	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
June 7	4-day summer schedule begins
June 21	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
July 5	Independence Day holiday
July 19	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC

Groups audience:

16. Other Items

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

An opportunity will be provided for comments and/or other items from board members.

Groups audience:

III. Adjournment

Groups audience:

Source URL: https://aws.nc.transylvania.schoolboard.net/node/5587